Assorted questions

[OldTrout]

This is going to seem like quiz of the week but I have not been able to find answers in either the handbook or on these forums. After a year with this car I still don't know.

 

1) When my driver's seat moves backwards or forwards it sometimes groans. I can't see anything fouling. Does something need a bit of lubrication and if so what, where and how?

2) Driving recently with all this sun has sometimes been very difficult with the reflection of the sun off flat bit under the windscreen (what is it called?) onto the windscreen and into my eyes. I suspect somebody had polished it with cabin shine of something. How do I take the shine off so it doesn't reflect?

3) How do I tell if I have the rear wheel steering option? Little fuse box perhaps. If so whereabouts in the boot is it?

4) From these forums I understand what the intelligent headlamp following does. But does it do it on main or dipped or both? Is it obvious because I don't notice it. Mine might not be working.

5) Internal motion sensor. In my 1998 GS a second press of the locking button on the key fob disabled the internal motion sensor which would otherwise be triggered by my dog. On this 2007 GS it would seem I have to press the motion sensor off button and then get out of the car and lock it in under 5 seconds. (OK I could do it having go out first but it is not a convenient as the old way.) The second press now seems to invoke deadlocks.

6) On a regular 150 mile journey the full consumption has fallen slightly. Earlier in the year when it was much cooler I exceeded 40 mpg but it has slowly dropped to about 35 mpg now. I though it might get better in hot weather. How much difference does the air con make?

Questions aside it is a great car and I still enjoy driving it.

John

 

[Diesel Do Nicely Brian]

Hi John,

 

From my limited knowledge:

1. Does it make the noise if you adjust it when NOT sitting in it - it my need lubricated somewhere or may be noise from the motors - my IS did that and so does my new Rav.
2. Buy some good quality, non-gloss trim cleaner - get it from polished bliss online - they will advise on something good.
3. No idea...
4. It should be obvious to see at night when using your headlights - you'll see it as the steering wheel turns, especially on dark country roads.
5. Double pressing the key does add the deadlocks.  
6. Quality of fuel may not be helping - I'd stick to branded fuel (BP, Shell etc) and avoid the supermarket stuff (which is bulked up with some sort of filler like rapeseed - I have had issues with a few cars and the Subaru dealer dealt with it often and had to clean out essentially slime from the bottom of fuel tanks which were run all the time on cheap supermarket fuels).  There seems to be general research that standard good fuel (Shell etc) is as good as Supermarket super-unleaded for quality and economy.

Hope that helps.

Brian.